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The aim of this seminar is to deepen the knowledge about microeconometric methods by conducting an empirical project. The first task will be to develop an interesting economic research question that can be analyzed empirically using micro-data (SOEP). Replication studies are welcome and we also suggest possible topics (a list is available upon request or at the first meeting) but students may propose alternative research questions. The center of the seminar is the empirical project. The project consists of a research plan, a seminar paper (Grading: 80%) and the presentation of results + discussion (Grading: 20 %). The paper should not be longer than 15 pages. The paper should include both descriptive analyses as well as econometric estimations. It is not necessary to apply highly sophisticated empirical methods, however, it is very important to present a thorough discussion of assumptions and limitations of the applied methods. Moreover the interpretation of estimation results, in particular with respect to the economic research question, is crucial. It is possible to work in groups of up to two students. For the empirical analysis we recommend the software Stata, however students are allowed to use other software packages as well. We provide students with relevant data (SOEP) and provide guidance to find a good research question. The prerequisite for the seminar is good knowledge in econometrics; some experience with statistical software and micro-data is an advantage. The maximum number of students for this seminar is 15. In the first meeting I will present the idea of this seminar, discuss possible topics for the empirical project, and students can register for the seminar. Each student should choose a topic within two weeks from then. The presentations will be blocked at the end of the semester. |
